Sweet Latakia“, an English blend with 50 per cent Latakia. Virginia and oriental grades give this blend a prominent sweet taste that initially force the Latakia into the background. It is only after some time of smoking that the Latakia gets the upper hand and start to dominate the flavor. This interplay of tastes is what makes this English blend so charming. Sweet, airy and spicy – these are the “Sweet Latakia"‘s governing attributes. It is an interesting blend for sworn fans of Latakia and for those who want to become it.

Hans does it again, this time with Sweet Latakia. It's lightly aromatic and a purist would call it such, but I prefer not to as I think it falls more into the “cross-over” category. If you are thinking of Sillems Black, don't. Sillem's Black, a highly rated Latakia aromatic, has far more casing than Sweet Latakia, but there is no doubt in my mind that the sweetness in SL is derived from more than just the Virginia's. I prefer medium and medium/light Latakia blends so this wouldn't be a regular rotation smoke for me but as with all of the HU blends I have tried thus far, it's hard not to rate this as a four star blend. Well done!

Latakia is the key player in this delicious blend from micro blender Hans Wiedemann. The sweetness is derived from the addition of a little sweetened Virginia and not from any major flavouring agent. I do not know if Syrian or Cyprian latakia is used but my guess is the latter because of the blend's smokiness. Together with Viginia and Oriental grades, this makes for a blend that is easy on the palate, smoky and sweetish and of light to medium body. Don't let this one get away! Rob